How to Fold an Easy Traditional Origami Swan

Do you love the grace of swans and how they move so gracefully? If so, folding an origami swan is a perfect way to capture this image in paper form.

Swans are cherished in Japan for their lifelong pair bonding and elegant movements, qualities that make the origami swan a popular project both in Japan and around the world.

This model is fantastic for beginners and fun for all ages, requiring only simple mountain and valley folds to achieve a beautifully angular and abstract representation of a swan.

Whether you’re using plain white paper to echo the swan’s purity or opting for a beautiful patterned paper, this traditional origami swan is a lovely way to spend less than five minutes adding a touch of tranquility to your day.

Traditional Origami Swan Step-by-Step Instructions

• Difficulty: Super Easy – Beginner Level 1
• Folding time: Less than 5 minutes
• Model designer: Traditional
• Paper: Kami 15×15 cm

Step 1

Start with the white side facing up in a diamond position. Fold in half diagonally and unfold.

Here, I’m using chiyogami (patterned paper), so I want the pattern to face down.

Step 2

Fold the bottom edges to the centerline. Then, turn the paper over.

Step 3

Fold the bottom edges to the centerline again.

Step 4

Fold the bottom corner up to meet the top corner.

Step 5

Fold the top flap corner down along the dotted line. The crease should align where the colored side meets the white side.

Step 6

Fold the model in half behind itself, from left to right.

Step 7

Pull the swan’s neck upward, adjust the angle to your liking, and flatten the paper.

Step 8

Do the same for the swan’s head—lift it up, adjust the angle to your liking, and flatten.

The Completed Origami Swan

🦢 Folding tip: While this isn’t part of the traditional model, you can pleat the tip of the head to create a beak like the image above.

Well done! You’ve just folded your very own paper swan.

If you’d like to shape it further, check out our reel:

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This traditional origami swan will bring a sense of peace wherever it’s placed. It’s perfect for decorating your space or gifting it to someone special.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial as much as I loved guiding you through it. Feel free to share your models with us in the comments or on social media. Happy folding!

Download the Full Origami Swan Printable PDF Instructions

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